Every day, I think of you.

[Richard Graves]

Dear Imja Tse Team,

It's true.  Not a day goes by when you're not on my mind.  Maybe I need to read more, or get out more often, or take up an amusing hobby, so I could rid myself of this daily obsession.  

But even if I did one, or more than one, or all of these things, I suspect that my neural videotape of the fall of 2012 would still continue firing along its mysterious synapsal path through my brain.  

Like the homesteaders that President Lincoln launched a little over 150 years ago, all of you have taken up permanent residency in my daily thoughts (How'd you like that historical reference, Bryan?)

It seems to me that it's been sometime since we have created a meaningful and newsy email conga line, so I thought I would see if I could initiate one to see if we could all get linked up together for a little personal sharing.  It's been a while, don't you think?

So here goes. 

All in all, I am feeling quite well for someone with advanced, aggressive prostate cancer.  My hormone shots are effective, although my PSA is rising slowly, and the side effects of this treatment, which can be quite annoying, are rather mild in my case.  I drink gallons of coffee to combat my chronic fatigue (thanks, Dr. D. for turning me on to the benefits of caffeine) and I cope with my tendency to overheat by dressing sparsely and keeping the furnace on low.

After all, there are worse things that can happen to a man than to live without testosterone. Unlike Jimmy Carter, who back in 1976 made the awkward admission to the American people in a Playboy magazine article that even he, a rock-ribbed Southern Baptist at the time, had known lust in his heart, I am quite pleased with my current state of sexual serenity.  

Mind you, it's been a bit challenging for me to adjust to the changes in my body; I used to strive for the classic male physique, but no more.  Now I'm going for the strong, independent female. 

(OK, you have to admit that's funny! :D)

But enough about my body and its current challenges... 

The real news I wish to share concerns my spirit, which seems to get stronger and stronger.  And the side effects of this upward spiritual surge are wondrous to behold   I believe I'm living more fully now than at any other time in my life.  My professional life is very rewarding, as the unseen loving beneficence that fills all things seems to be putting my modest gifts to unusually good use.  

The doctors in my life all advise me to retire in 18 months, which I plan to do. I will be 65, eligible for Medicare, and plan to move from Fort Dodge to the east coast of Iowa to become a full time grandpa for my granddaughter, Lily.  Actually, by the time I retire, Lily will have been promoted to the status of an older sister, as her mother is pregnant and expecting next spring.

Just this past Sunday, we gathered as a family and I presided at Lily's Baptism.  She dove into God's bathtub with all the enthusiasm of a child plunging into the surf on the first day of summer.  

Then I dipped my thumb in the Bishop's Holy Oil and traced the sign of the cross on her forehead, sealing her with the Holy Spirit and marking her as Christ's own for ever.  And then, immediately, I lowered my head to hers and kissed that same place. She tasted like grace.

Did you know that every day, I think of you?  It's true, not a day goes by when you're not on my mind.  It's my daily obsession and I suspect it's incurable.

Love,

The Rev.

PS.  Photos below: 

1. Parents Claire and Danny holding Lily while I held the camera last Sunday. 
2. Yours truly holding Mighty Max, my youngest daughter's dog, at a dog beach in Southern California in September.  
   

 

 

 

[Suzanne Link]

This reply is directed at my all-time favorite strong independent female co-trekker and dear dear friend. Yes, yes, yes, I say yes! What he said that is. You are so funny and real and precious. My heart slightly exploded when I read this! More to come, I love you, I love you all! So very much. 

Bama

Sent from my iPad

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[Mary Laprairie]

Richard!

 

Following a lull in communication, a friend hit me with,  “If I called you as often as I thought of you, I would be a nuisance.”  Your lengthier and newsier version is sincerely appreciated and reciprocated.

 

With every sentence you made me smile, starting with “Fall of 2012”… then came:

Bryan

Feeling quite well

Mild side effects

Dr. Deming’s caffeine Rx

Sexual serenity (whoop!)

Upward spiritual surge

Retirement plans

Lily’s full-time Grandpa

Lily’s spring sibling

God’s bathtub

Christ’s own forever

Taste of grace

 

Your peace and humor was music to my...eyes?

 

You did mention one other thing that just might have set the wheels in motion for another reunion…I believe a real-live conga line is in order.  So rest up and John will send you some coffee from Brazil!

 

Love to everyone and everything Richard said, same!!

 

Mary Laprairie | Volunteer Coordinator

Midwest Division | American Cancer Society, Inc.

2520 Pilot Knob Rd Suite 150

Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Phone: 651-255-8111 | Mobile: 651-485-6207

cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345

This message (including any attachments) is intended exclusively for the individual to whom it is addressed and may contain proprietary, protected, or confidential information. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, print, copy, or disseminate this message or any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately.

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[Andy Fleming]

Wow Richard!  I enjoyed just sitting with your kind words over the past couple days. I felt pressure to respond with something of my own on your level and then I was reminded that your words and just you being you is a gift. 

I too often think of our trip and I find myself daydreaming about going back into the mountains. I think about doing meaningful things. As I write this I'm thinking about what it would be like to completely lose myself in others. 

I'm very happy we were all able to be together and I hope we can again be close together. 

Andy

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[Leslie Katich]

Dearest Richard,

 

Your words warmed my heart and filled my soul.  May you find choice blessings of health and strength always.

 

Have a beautiful day,

Leslie

 

Northern Nevada

Children’s Cancer Foundation

Leslie Katich Director of Programs & Services

Tel 775.825.0888 Fax 775.825.0888

3550 Barron Way #9A Reno, NV 89511

 

“I have a million hugs and kisses for you.” Clayton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: kaila...@googlegroups.com [mailto:kaila...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Richard Graves
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2013 4:16 PM
To: kaila...@googlegroups.com; richa...@hotmail.com
Subject: [A+B Kailash] Every day, I think of you.

 

Dear Imja Tse Team,

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